Digital era has paved the way for quick and easy spread of news and information. But what if the news that reaches you is ‘really’ not news. We at ‘MeiFactory’ have vouched to fight this epidemic of fake news by verifying facts. MeiFactory, a non-profit initiative is established with core principles of independence, transparency, fairness, thorough reporting and clear writing.
Mei Factory is committed to fact-checking in a fair, transparent and non-partisan manner. We strive for high editorial standards and adhere by the following guidelines:
Nonpartisan approach: Mei Factory has no political affiliations. We believe in fact-checking news from all ends of the political spectrum and apply the same standards to claims irrespective of who originates them. We call out fake news without fear or favour.
Evidence-backed: Facts are sacrosanct to a fact-checker. We therefore aim to be accurate in our fact-checking, consulting multiple sources to ensure that fact-checks are backed by sound evidence. Depending on the nature of fact-check required, we use internet tools like reverse image search or source data from official sources. Where necessary, we also reach out to the relevant person to verify a claim. We do not quote anonymous sources.
Transparency: Mei Factory explains in detail how the claim was debunked. This is done in the interest of transparency and it also serves an educational purpose, guiding the readers how to evaluate claims which they may come across in future.
How MeiFACTory Started?
As we live in the era of ‘Infodemic’ overwhelming Mis-information and Dis-information started to spread among people during the Pandemic year, 2020. As the whole world was fighting the virus, people were pushed to believe health mis-facts that were easily spreading across the globe.
Fake News not only costs time but also lives. Hence as a responsible citizen and working in the media space, I decided to fight this by debunking mis-information along with people of a kindred spirit. MeiFactory started in 2021 as a facebook page that rose to popularity among the locals for immediate de-bunking of health mis-information and providing the correct facts that helped many during the times of emergency.
This growth of MeiFactory in a short time opened the way for a facebook page to become a full-fledged website with a small team of volunteers fact-checking the mis-information around.
Fact-Checking Methodology
MeiFactory team uses technology and core principles of journalism while fact-checking fake news.
Mei Meter Ratings
1. True / மெய் – The information is Correct
2. Mis-Leading –
- Content is manipulated but Image/Video or part of it is true.
- Part of the Content/Image/Video is original but part of it is manipulated .
- Content is true but video or photo shared with it is out of context.
3. False / பொய் – The information is completely not factual.
4. Mostly False / இருக்கு ஆனா இல்ல – Either the information or photo/video is manipulated and same portion of the information/photo is only true
5. Liar / உருட்டு – The information is completely fabricated and is a dis-information.
